Every bride should know something about wedding dress silhouettes before purchasing her dress. A silhouette should work well with your body type, personal style, and wedding, among which the most important one should be body type. You obviously want something flattering. Next, you want something that works with your personal style. This would be the type of dress you dream about or see in magazines and say “I want that.” Lastly, make sure it works with your wedding. If you have a small private wedding on a beach, it’s unsuitable to have a silk princess ball gown. Below are some guidelines:
A-line
Best Body Type- This works well with almost all body types. The A-line makes round bodies appear slimmer and short bodies appear taller. The lines of the skirt hide the lower body of those with hips and can add the illusion of curves to those with less shape.
Personal Style- traditional, elegant, refined, girlie
Wedding Setting- The A-line is perfect for traditional weddings! Whatever your religion, an A shaped flare is surely the best. It’s not too over the top and not too casual. Therefore, it works perfect for a medium sized wedding.
Ball Gown
Best Body Type- Great for brides who are a little bustier. This shape draws the attention down and balances the proportions. Perfect for the inverted triangle body type.
Personal Style- over the top, girlie, bold, romantic
Wedding Setting- This silhouette works best for over the cheap weddings. Usually over 200 guests, in a large ball room, with large floral arrangements.
Princess Length
Best Body Type- This length can work well on petites, slim figures, and tall women alike. Plus sized brides should avoid the princess length unless they are taller than 5’9 or it may make them appear heavier.
Personal Style- retro, sweet, girlie, vintage
Wedding Setting- This silhouette is all about the length. Since it is not too short it is still wearable for all occasions. The volume makes it appropriate for weddings in places of worship and the length could even make it casual enough for a backyard. It’s all about how you accessorize it!
Empire Waist
Best Body Type- This under the bust waistline is perfect for hiding hips, stomachs, or thighs while drawing attention to the bust. It also lengthens the body and works well on petite brides. Great for pear shapes.
Personal Style- sophisticated, bohemian, romantic, chic
Wedding Setting- Empire waist dress are very sweet. The fit is perfect for just about every setting including beach, church, and backyard weddings.
Mermaid
Best Body Type- This silhouette works best for those with curves. It accentuates well proportioned women by showing off what they’ve got.
Personal Style- bold, girlie, romantic, dreamy
Wedding Setting- They don’t work for small informal or more casual weddings. Because of the elegant shape, it works best for weddings with 75 guests or more that take place in beautiful settings such as places of worship, parks, and event spaces.
Cocktail
Best Body Type- The cocktail length works for everyone! Follow the guidelines from the other silhouettes as far as what works best for sheath, ball gowns, A-lines, etc. to choose which cocktail dress suits you.
Personal Style- edgy, trend setter, adventurous, modern
Wedding Setting- This short cropped dress is perfect for more casual weddings, spur of the moment weddings, and weddings that are a little more trendy than most. This also makes a great reception dress for a larger wedding dresses.
Sheath
Best Body Type- Great for narrow frames. This dress falls straight down and works well with slimmer bodies. The long lines are also beneficial for petite women since it elongates the lines of the body.
Personal Style- simple, chic, timeless, sophisticated
Wedding Setting- This silhouette works best for elegant weddings and beach weddings. The soft drape is simple and gorgeous but not overwhelming. The wedding should not be more overwhelming than the dress.